The next chapter is already being worked on.
I wanna be the very best
Like no one ever was
To catch them is my real test
To train them is my cause
I will travel across the land
Searching far and wide
Teach Pokémon to understand
The power that's inside
Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), it's you and me
I know it's my destiny
(Pokémon!)
Oh, you're my best friend
In a world we must defend
Pokémon (Gotta catch 'em all), a heart so true
Our courage will pull us through
You teach me, and I'll teach you
Po-ké-mon
(Gotta catch 'em all!)
Gotta catch 'em all!
Pokémon!
"Hello": Normal Speech
"Hello": Telepathy
'Hello': Thoughts
("Hello"): Poke-Speech/Poke-Speech to Ash
Today we follow our heroes as they finally arrive at Viridian City where Ash and Ritchie will battle for their final gym badge and enter the Indigo League. While our heroes are relaxing though, something appears to be wrong with one of their friends.
The gang had finally arrived at Viridian City and were currently at the Pokemon Center. The same center Ash had saved from Team Rocket the first time he was here. Nurse Joy had remembered him of course and ran up to the boy, giving him both a hug and a kiss on the cheek as thanks for the saving the center once again. Brock was crying a river of tears as Ash managed to get another kiss from a the beautiful Nurse Joy, making everyone but the two kids roll their eyes.
Everyone was outside the center right now and Ash and Ritchie were both training their pokemon for the last gym the two cousins will challenge. Ash was watching as his pokemon were sparing with each other, finding it much more effective as simply just going over moves. Though that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Charizard and Pidgeotto were having an air battle with each other, and despite being in her second evolved form Pidgeotto was holding her own against Charizard. Eevee and Pikachu were battling each other and he was impressed with how far Eevee had come from being shy to more open. Ivysaur and Wartortle had some kind of rivalry going on and were having their own battle, probably to see which type was better. Dratini, Riolu, and Ralts were having a three way battle for some odd reason. He was going to intervene, but decided this was something they decided for themselves and left them to it. But he was still watching over them.
His gaze then fell on Ritchie and smiled when he saw his cousin training his Pokémon too. Ritchie's come a long way from when they first started their journey. There was no doubt in his mind that his cousin will become a great champion.
"You three are looking good." Ash smiled as he walked over by Riolu, Ralts, and Dratini.
"Rio (Thank you, father)." Riolu thanked.
"Tini (Thank you)." Dratini smiled.
"Ralts (Thanks)!" Ralts smiled.
Ash then went over by Pikachu and Eevee to see what they were up to. When he approached he saw Pikachu attempt to use a Quick Attack on Eevee, but she made a move too. She opened her mouth and let out a loud piercing growl that distorted the air a bit, making his eyes widen.
'She learned the move Growl!' he thought, impressed.
Pikachu looked impressed too and told her about it, making the girl blush but wanted to continue battling.
Meanwhile back over to the others, Brock's Chespin was trying to steal some of Froakie's pokemon food, but the water type wasn't having it and retaliated with a bubble attack.
Brock saw and what happened and sighed, "Now Chespin, we talked about this. You can't steal food from the other pokemon."
"Che (Sorry)..." Chespin apologized.
"Not to me, to Froakie." Brock told him.
Chespin apologized to Froakie who just stared at him before giving him a piece of his pokemon food.
"Fro (Have some)." Froakie offered.
Chespin grinned and ate it gratefully, "Chespin (Thanks)!"
Brock smiled before looking over at Horsea who doesn't look so good, as it was floating in a fountain outside the Pokémon Center.
"Hey Misty, Horsea doesn't look so good." Brock informed the girl.
Misty looked over and sure enough, Horsea didn't look all that great and was just floating around in the water.
"You're right, Horsea's never acted like this before," she went over to the fountain and picked him up, "What's wrong, Horsea?"
Horsea looked up at the red head before looking back down, not saying a word.
Brock then came over, "Maybe Horsea would feel better in a bigger pool."
"But where would we find-wait, that's it!" She said.
"What's it?"
"The Cerulean Gym has a large pool!" Misty told him.
Brock remembered, "That's right they do, we should stop by your hometown for a visit. Its been awhile anyway."
Misty smiled as Horsea, "Would you like to swim in a larger pool, Horsea?"
"Sea (Yes)!" Horsea said, nodding his head happily.
"Hey guys, we're heading to Cerulean City!" Misty yelled over at Ash and the others.
Ash turned to her and smiled, "Okay!"
Going back to Cerulean City sounded like fun anyway, and Misty probably misses home even if she denies it. Wonder how things have been since their last visit?
Cerulean City Gym
They arrived at the Cerulean City Gym, only to see Misty's sisters passing out flyers much to their confusion. Why are they passing out flyers?
Misty sighed and walked up to Daisy, "What are you three up to this time?"
"Oh, Misty! Like great timing, see we need your help!" Daisy told her, grabbing both hands.
Misty blinked, "What...?"
Behind her the others were just as confused as to what was going on, but didn't get to ask much because they were forced inside the gym by her three sisters.
"Okay, what's going on here?" Misty demanded.
"You see, the truth is we need help attracting crowds to our performances lately." Violet confessed.
"Not that many have been coming as much as they used to." Lily added.
"So, we like decided to advertise Misty to be in one of our live shows to attract more people." Daisy smiled.
"Have Misty attract more people?" Ritchie said, still confused.
"Well yeah, see we were like thinking of having Misty perform in one of our underwater shows "Underwater Ballet." Daisy explained.
Misty stood up suddenly, "You can't just decide that on your own!"
"What's the big deal?" Lily questioned.
"For one thing, this is supposed to be a gym! Second, if you're having problems attracting a crowd then focus that energy of yours into acting like gym leaders!" Misty yelled at them.
Molly grabbed Misty's wrist, giving her an innocent look, "Do you really not want to? I think you'll look really pretty."
Misty blushed and couldn't bring herself to tell the little girl she didn't want to perform in the Underwater Ballet. Looking over at her friends she saw they were all smiling at her, giving her their encouragement. With a sigh she gave in, "Fine, I'll do it."
"Great!" Daisy smiled cheerfully.
Misty sighed as she slumped her shoulders, "What have I gotten myself into?"
Ash patted her back, "Don't worry, you'll do great."
"You think so?" Misty sounded uncertain.
Brock nodded with a smile, "Ash is right. There's no need to be worried because you'll be fine."
"Togi Togi (Mommy will do great)!" Togepi said with a smile.
"I say go for it." Ritchie said.
"Pikachu (You'll do great)." Sparky smiled.
Zack shrugged, "I don't see why you shouldn't do it."
"We'll be cheering you on." Tomo told her.
Misty smiled as their encouragement, "Thanks guys..."
Ash smiled but then shivered as he felt the three females behind him, "Oh Ash...you're going to be helping us too." Daisy smiled with a glint in her eye just like the other two.
He blinked a few times, "Eh...?"
Meanwhile outside the gym Team Rocket was eavesdropping on their conversation.
"So, the twerpy little red head's gonna do a performance is she?" Jessie scoffed, "I'm the real performer here!"
"Oh really? Please do enlighten us." James said sarcastically.
"You know, if we were to steal the show we'd be able to get all those water pokemon and Pikachu." Meowth said, "I can interrogate the twerp."
"Right! I'm going to prove who the true performer is!" Jessie declared with flames in her eyes.
Who's That Pokémon?
Its...Clefairy!
"Clefairy!"
It was opening night for the Underwater Ballet and the gym was filled with people who were eager to see the show. Brock, Molly, Tomo, Ritchie, and Zack were sitting in the audience along with Pikachu, Sparky, and Teddiursa.
"This should be interesting." Brock said.
"How come Misty's sisters wanted big brother to be in the show too?" Molly asked.
Brock gave her a mature grin, "For romance."
Molly and Tomo tilted their heads in confusion, "Romance?"
Ritchie sighed, "Better Ash be in the show than me."
"Pika Pika (Yep)." Sparky nodded his head in agreement.
"Pika Pika Pikachu Pikapi Pikachu (I wonder what costume Ash will be wearing)?" Pikachu wondered.
"Teddiursa (Who knows)?" Teddiursa said.
The talking amongst the audience soon stop as Daisy appears on stage. The lights go out with the spotlight being only on Daisy as she spoke into the microphone, "Welcome everyone to our first showing of our Underwater Ballet! We will now tell the story of Princess Misty and how she met Prince Ash!" The audience clapped as they eagerly waited for the characters to appear.
Molly and Tomo turned to each other, "Big brother's playing the prince!"
Ritchie's eyebrow twitched, "I can't believe Ash agreed to be in the show."
"Ash is just being a good friend." Brock said.
Daisy cleared her throat as she began to tell the story, "Once upon a time, there was a princess who lived at the bottom of the sea. Her name was Princess Misty."
Behind her in the large aquarium, there was Misty with her hair down that reached her back. There was a seashell in her hair, and two seashells covering her chest, she was swimming around in a fake tail fin. Misty was playing around with Horsea, three Goldeen, Seaking, Shelder, Staryu, and Seel.
"Princess Misty was loved amongst the water Pokémon and she loved them. They would spend their days playing without a care in the world. Princess Misty was the most beloved girl in the sea, and while she loved the Pokémon...there was someone else she loved as well." Daisy continued as the audience turned their attention to another individual within the water. Ash was there, swimming around in a dark blue tail fin, but that's not what got the girls attention. They were too busy staring at the abs on Ash and the muscles on his arms, naturally there were squeals from the female audience as the way he moved around in the water made him look more appealing.
Brock was crying a river of tears, "I'll go shirtless all the time for you ladies!"
Ritchie rolled his eyes, "Idiot."
"Pikachu (Big idiot)." Sparky agreed.
"Big brothers a mermaid!" Molly grinned.
"Teddiursa (Look at him swim)!" Teddiursa smiled.
"Pika Pikachu, Pikapi (You're doing great, Ash)!" Pikachu yelled, supporting his trainer.
Ash meanwhile was trying very hard not to blush as he swam around in the large tank. Misty's sisters know how to negotiate, well...he wouldn't exactly call being forced to help out in the show a sign of negotiation. But he wanted to help Misty since this place is her home, but he would very much appreciate it if the girls in the audience would stop squealing though. Its embarrassing.
"Prince Ash was the most appealing male in the sea and every girl wanted him, but there was only one that got his attention." Daisy smiled as she kept narrating.
Ash suddenly stopped swimming around in the tank and finally noticed Misty, who in turn noticed him. He smiled as she noticed him staring at her, which made her blush. Ash swam over to her and the other water Pokémon and started playing with them, making Misty smile as she twirled Seel around laughing happily.
"Prince Ash and Princess Misty decided to play together with the water Pokémon, symbolizing just how much the two care about each other."
"Ash looks like he's having fun." Brock observed.
"Yeah he does, but I can't believe Daisy made this into some sort of love story." Ritchie groaned.
Brock shook his head, "You have much to learn my young friend."
"Oh, really?" Ritchie said sarcastically.
Brock nodded, "What you need to know and always remember...is that girls love romance! And soon, I will be the one to show them just what true romance is!"
"Good for you." Ritchie said, dryly.
Sparky, Pikachu, and Teddiursa sweat-dropped ad the breeder.
Tomo then noticed something and pointed at the tank, "Guys look!" They turned their attention back to the tank and saw none other than Team Rocket were in the water along with Ash and Misty.
"What are they doing here?! I thought Violet and Lily were supposed to play the villians?!" Ritchie yelled.
"Something's wrong," Brock frowned, "Zack, watch Molly and Tomo!"
"Got it!" Zack said.
Brock and Ritchie left their seats as they rushed off to help Ash and Misty, but stopped when they heard noises coming from one of the lockers. Brock opened it and saw Violet and Lily were bound and gagged, so both boys freed them.
"You guys okay?" Brock asked.
"We're fine." Lily smiled.
"What happened?" Ritchie questioned.
Violet answered, "We were about to enter as the bad guys, but then the same guys from before tied us up, gagged us, and stuffed us into the locker."
Brock and Ritchie nodded to each other then looked back at the girls, "Don't worry, we've got this." Ritchie assured them as he and Brock were about to leave.
"Wait!" Violet stopped them and gave both boys breathing tubes, "You'll need these to breath under water."
Ritchie and Brock took them gratefully before taking off to help Ash and Misty deal with Team Rocket. Meanwhile back with the audience Daisy was about to freak out but a look from Misty urged her to continue on with the show.
Clearing her throat she continued, "But their peaceful playing didn't last long as three villains appeared to try and ruin everything. The Ugly Sea Hag was always jealous of Misty and her beauty, so she decided to confront the Princess so she could steal her beauty."
Jessie bristled as the title, "Who are you calling an Ugly Sea Hag?!" she yelled.
"Well, it does fit your personality." James commented.
"She'll probably transform into a Sea Hag right now." Meowth said to James.
"ZIP IT!" Jessie's face blew up as she yelled at them.
"Yes ma'am!" They squeaked.
While the three of them were going at it, Ash and Misty nodded to each other as Ash sent out Wartortle, while Misty used the water Pokémon in the tank to fight off against Team Rocket.
"Let's do this, Misty!" Ash said.
"Right behind you!" She told him.
Jessie had sent out Arbok to fight against Wartortle and the rest of the water Pokémon in the tank.
"Arbok, use Poison Sting!"
Arbok sent white needles at them.
"Send those needles back with a Rapid Spin!" Ash commanded.
Wartortle retreated into his shell and spun in place as the needles hit his shell and were sent back at Arbok, hitting the poison type pokemon.
"Horsea, use Bubble!"
Horsea fired clear bubbles at Arbok, making it another direct hit.
"Not wanting the Sea Hag to have her way, both the Prince and Princess fought her and her evil minions together with the pokemon of the sea," Daisy then heard a splash and saw it was Brock and Ritchie who came to help Ash and Misty out, "Seeing the Prince and Princess were in danger and needed help, the two Knights Brock and Ritchie join in the battle to assist them to defeat the Ugly Sea Hag."
"Starmie, use Swift!" Misty commanded.
"Wartortle, use Water Pulse!" Ash commanded.
Both attacks combined with the stars combining with the water spheres, and sent towards Arbok.
"Dodge it Arbok!" Jessie commanded.
Arbok narrowly got out of the way of both attacks, making them hit Meowth and James instead.
"Dodged by the skin of its teeth." Ash muttered.
"Yeah." Just as Misty was about to order one of the water pokemon to attack, Seel charged at Arbok with a Take Down and successfully slammed into it.
"That was great, Seel!" Misty complimented.
Seel's whole body began to glow, signaling it was evolving. Everyone in the audience was fascinated having not seen what an evolution looks like. When Seel stopped glowing, its evolved form took its place. It was a pinniped Pokémon resembling a sea lion. It has a snowy white, furry body, which renders it virtually invisible in snowy conditions. Its face has two black eyes with no visible sclerae, a black button nose and two tusks extending from its upper jaw. It has a streamlined body with two front flippers and a long flowing tail.
"Dewgong!" Dewgong said.
"Dewgong evolved!" Misty smiled.
Daisy used that time to narrate again, "Wanting to help the Princess, Prince, and the Knights. Seel has evolved into Dewgong, so it can teach the Ugly Sea Hag and her minions a lesson."
Dewgong decided to finish this by forming a light blue ball forms in front of its mouth and sent it at Arbok freezing it in place, along with Team Rocket.
"Talk about a cold shoulder." James said from within the ice.
Ash and Misty nodded their heads towards Ritchie and Brock as they all got out of the water and Pikachu and Sparky's bodies started cackling with electricity.
"Pikachu-"
"Sparky-"
"Use Thunderbolt!" They both said.
Both Pikachu and Sparky sent a Thunderbolt at the frozen Team Rocket, sending them flying out of the water tank and out of the gym.
"They're just jealous because I'm a real performer!" Jessie said.
"Yes, its a real shame they didn't appreciate your talent." James said sarcastically.
"This ain't over! Ya hear me twerp?!" Meowth vowed.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Back inside the gym the audience was cheering for Misty, Ash, Brock, Ritchie, and the Pokémon that performed in the show. Misty was waving to the crowd along withAsh and the others.
"And so, with the Ugly Sea Hag defeated by the Princess, Prince and their knights. Peace was once again restored to the sea." Daisy closed out with a smile as people started leaving the gym, but not before getting Misty and Ash's autograph. There were a few girls that crowded Ash making him feel uncomfortable but thanks to Misty they backed off.
With everyone gone the gang finally relaxed. Team Rocket showing up out of nowhere was surprising but it all worked out in the end. Ritchie decided to scan Dewgong since he didn't do it before:
[Dewgong, the Sea Lion Pokémon. The evolved form of Seel. This Water/Ice Pokémon can easily resist extreme cold.]
Ritchie smiled, "Sounds like a cool water pokemon."
Misty turned to her sisters, "I'm leaving Horsea here with you guys, you can also borrow Starmie too."
"Like thanks Misty!" Daisy hugged the red head making her roll her eyes.
Ash sighed, "I'm just glad this whole thing is over with. I don't ever wanna do that again."
Ritchie smirked, "Don't like the fangirls?"
Ash gave him a deadpanned look, "Don't go there."
"Can we have Pikachu and Togepi, too?" Lilly asked, batting her eyes.
"No!" Ash and Misty hugged Pikachu and Togepi close to them.
"Worth a shot." Lilly sighed.
"You can have Psyduck." Misty sent out the water Pokémon.
"Psy (Huh)?" Psyduck tilted his head curiously.
The three sisters stared at the water type then looked at Misty, "We aren't that desperate."
Ash sweat-dropped, 'Poor Psyduck.'
With the show going off without a hitch, our heroes are now off to Viridian City where Ash and Ritchie will earn their final gym badge. Stay tuned as the journey continues.
Today we find our heroes at the Viridian City Gym where Ash and Ritchie will earn their final gym badge, but something about this gym doesn't feel right.
Ash stretched his arms above his head as he and the others wake up from spending the night at the Viridian City Pokémon Center. Ever since he got here there's been this foreboding feeling that wouldn't leave him alone. He had a bad feeling about this.
"What's up Ash, you've got a scary look on your face." Brock said.
"Huh? Oh, well its just that ever since we got here I've been feeling...strange." He confessed.
"Strange? Are you feeling sick?" Misty asked, her voice filled with worry.
He shook his head, "No, I can't explain it. But I think the sooner we get to the gym and get this over with the sooner we can leave."
"Yeah, the sooner we find the gym the sooner we can earn our last gym badge!" Ritchie grinned.
"Pika (Yeah)!" Sparky cheered.
"Remember Ritchie, this gym uses Ground type pokemon but like Blaine the gym leader might surprise us." Ash told him.
"What do you mean?" Ritchie questioned.
"Remember when I went up first against Blaine? He used a Rhydon to mix things up." Ash reminded.
"Oh yeah...then I better take this seriously." Ritchie said.
"You should." Ash said.
"We should head to the gym now so we can leave quickly." Brock told them.
"Right." they said.
They finally arrived at the gym and saw two guards at the front entrance. The gym itself looked intimidating, even more intimidating than the Vermillion City Gym.
"This is it." Ritchie said, clenching his fists.
Sparky nodded from his shoulder.
Ash was on guard, not liking the feeling he was getting but kept it to himself. Brock placed a hand on his shoulder as it sensing his feelings.
"You'll do fine." He assured Ash.
Taking a deep breath Ash smiled, "Yeah."
"Big brother will win!" Molly smiled.
"You can do it, big brother!" Tomo grinned.
Ash smiled, "Me and Ritchie will both do our best."
Just then the gang heard a noise and turned to see Gary and his cheerleaders had arrived. Ash sighed, just when he was feeling great Gary shows up and ruins the atmosphere entirely.
"I'm surprised Ashy-boy," Gary smirked, "I thought you'd get here after I've won."
Ash didn't bother to look at him and instead kept his gaze forward towards the entrance. Something's wrong, he could feel something in there and it was eerily familiar, "Small world."
"Since you're here Gary that means you plan on challenging this gym?" Brock asked trying to be civil.
"Yeah, I mean I already have enough badges to enter the league unlike Ashy-boy here. But there's no shame in getting another extra." Gary bragged.
Ritchie was getting real sick and tired of Gary's attitude and wanted to blow up at him but he was worried about Ash a little because of the face he was making.
"Since I'm more experienced than these two losers then I'll be going first." Gary smirked at Ash and Ritchie.
Ash didn't even acknowledge him, "Ritchie, we'll wait outside." He said suddenly taking every by surprise, even Gary.
Ritchie didn't even try to protest, "You sure?"
Ash gave him a nod, "You okay with that?"
Ritchie smiled, "If you say so, then yeah."
Without another word Ash walked away from the entrance with the others following behind him, Gary meanwhile scoffed and called Ash a coward but the raven haired teen ignored him as the gang waits outside.
"Ash what's going on?" Misty asked.
Ash sighed and told them what he was feeling, "Something feels strange about this gym."
"Strange like how?" Zack questioned.
Ash was trying to find the right words to say it, "It feels like there's more to this gym that meets the eye, like there's something being kept hidden."
"Something being kept hidden?" Misty blinked.
He nodded, "Yeah, that weird feeling I've been getting is coming from this gym." But then again he had felt this before, 'I've felt this before. It feels like...' his eyes widened, 'Mewtw-!' There was a crash and they saw some ing fly out of the gym. It looked like a Pokémon with mechanical parts on it, but as it kept flying away the parts fell off. The others couldn't see its face but Ash felt that psychic energy before, and it was definitely Mewtwo.
"What was that? A Pokémon?" Misty wondered, tightening her grip on Togepi.
Ash ran inside the gym making the others call out to him but they were ignored as he suddenly got a bad feeling about something. What was Mewtwo doing here? And more importantly, why did he feel anger and fear? Or was that just his imagination? He stopped running when he spotted Gary and his cheerleaders unconscious, the others came running inside soon after and Brock went over by the cheerleaders while Ash woke Gary up by slapping him.
"Well...at least Ash had a legitimate reason to hit him." Misty smiled nervously.
"Togi Togi (It made a funny noise)!" Togepi giggled.
Ash saw Gary groan as he opened his eyes slowly, "Welcome back from dreamland. What happened?"
Gary sat up, trying to clear the cobwebs from his head, "That...that thing...I used Arcanine and Nidoking, but...it just sent them flying...that's no ordinary Pokémon..."
Ritchie gulped, "Then that thing we saw flying out of here...it was the very same Pokémon?"
Ash narrowed his eyes and looked ahead, "You can stop watching us now!"
Everyone looked and saw a man descend from the stairs with a smirk on his face with dark brown hair, wearing a white shirt, that was covered by a black suit and brown shoes.
"How interesting," he said, "Are you here to challenge me as well, boy?"
Ash stood before Gary's down form, "I am. My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
Ritchie stood next to his cousin, "I'm Ritchie Hiroshi from Frodomar City, and I also challenge you to a gym battle!"
The man eyed the two, but his gaze lingered on Ash for a bit before he spoke, "I see...Ash Ketchum, I shall battle you first."
Ash nodded before he took his place on the platform and the man took his spot.
Ritchie and the others decided to watch from the stands, but Misty addressed Gary, "Are you staying or leaving?" She questioned.
Gary looked over at Ash before turning away and heading out the door, "Like I would." He muttered angrily.
Misty was so over his attitude, "Good riddance to you then!" She yelled.
"Togi Togi (Bye Bye)!" Togepi waved goodbye.
"Forget him, Misty," Ritchie told her, "Let's just watch Ash's match."
"Yeah." She said sitting next to him.
Meanwhile the gym leader and Ash were staring each other down. This was going to be an intense battle.
"This will be a three-on-three battle," the man said, "Only the trainer may substitute. Is this acceptable?"
Ash nodded.
"Then, let us begin." He smirked, taking out a pokeball, "Nidorino, come."
Out of the pokeball was a light purple, quadruped Pokémon. It has several darker purple spots across its body. It has large, spiny ears with teal insides, narrow black eyes, and a long snout with two pointed teeth protruding from the upper jaw. It has a ridge of toxic spines on its back, and a long, pointed horn on its forehead. The horn is harder than a diamond and capable of secreting poison on impact. Its short legs have three claws on each foot.
"A Nidorino." Brock said.
Ritchie scanned it:
[Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokémon. The evolved form of the male Nidoran. Its highly developed horn is extremely powerful.]
"It looks strong..." Ritchie muttered.
"Pika (The look in its eyes is scary)." Sparky said.
Ash thought about his choices and decided to use Ivysaur, "Ivysaur, I choose you!" Out came the grass type.
"Ivysaur (I'm prepared)." Ivysaur declared.
"So Ash is going with Ivysaur?" Misty questioned, clearly confused.
"Grass-type moves only do half damage, but it should be okay." Brock said.
"Horn Attack." The gym leader made the first move.
Nidorino thrusts its horns at Ivysaur.
"Jump!"
Ivysaur jumped avoiding the Horn Attack, "Use Leech Seed!"
A seed sprouts from Ivysaur's bulb, which shoots out at Nidorino. When hit, Nidorino became wrapped in thin vines and leaves, restraining it. The vines and leaves then glow red and suck energy from the poison type.
"Leech Seed absorbs the energy from a Pokémon, making its health go down while restoring health to Ivysaur." Brock explained.
"Ivysaur hasn't taken any damage, but at least Nidorino's energy will drop a little giving Ash the advantage." Misty said.
"Yes, but remember that Nidorino is a poison type pokemon and one hit from a poison attack could be enough to take Ivysaur out of battle." Brock reminded.
"I know, and after what happened to Gary I'm a little worried." Misty said.
"Ash is more focused than Gary when it comes to battling, so I know he'll do fine." Brock said, brimming with confidence for Ash.
Misty gave a smile, "You're right."
Ritchie kept his eyes on the gym leader, an uneasy feeling crawling into the pit of his stomach as he stared at the man, "There's something about that guy that has me on edge, like he's hiding something."
"I feel the same." Misty said as she got the very same feeling.
Back with the battle Ash was eyeing the gym leaders Nidorino closely, sensing the poison type was more that meets the eye.
The man smirked, "Impressive. As expected."
Ash got an uneasy feeling but responded anyway, "Thanks for the compliment."
"Use Poison Sting!"
Nidorino fires a purple-glowing spike from its horn at Ivysaur.
"Jump, Ivysaur!"
Ivysaur jumped again and avoided the attack, "Use Growl!" Ivysaur landed on the ground and opened his mouth, letting out a loud, piercing bleat that distorts the air and affected Nidorino.
"Growl's a move that decreases a Pokémon's attack." Brock informed.
"Useful move." Ritchie said.
"Use Vine Whip!"
Ivysaur lashed out his vines at Nidorino, making it a direct hit, "Now, use Sleep Power!" Ivysaur sprayed sleeping powder over at Nidorino who fell asleep instantly.
"Now, use your Vine Whip attack!"
Ivysaur sent a Vine Whip attack at the unconscious Nidorino, making it another direct hit. As Nidorino fell to the ground its eyes had swirls in them, signaling that Ash has won the first battle.
Misty let out a sigh of relief, "He won..."
Brock didn't look to please however, "Hmmm."
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"He was holding back." Brock revealed.
"What?" Misty and Ritchie gasped.
"But, why would he do that?" Misty questioned.
"Good question, I get the feeling we're about to find out." Brock said.
Ash watched the man calmly return his Nidorino, "Why are you holding back?" He questioned.
Zack sighed, "So even Ash figured it out. Not surprised."
The gym leader smirked, "Testing to see if I was battling a worthy trainer. And it appears I am."
"Is that so?" Ash said, narrowing his eyes.
"Don't worry, because as of right now I'm going to be battling seriously." He promised.
"That's exactly what I want." Ash said, not backing down.
The man brought out his second Pokemon, "Nidoqueen, come!"
Out came a large, bipedal blue Pokémon with distinct reptilian features. Its body is encased with extremely hard scales that serve as excellent protection from any attack and stand up when Nidoqueen is excited or provoked. It has a blunt snout, narrow brown eyes, and large ears with brown insides. There is a small horn on its forehead, and single spine on each ear, and there is a line of toxic spikes running down the length of its back. Each hand has three short claws and each foot was two claws. Its lower jaw, the front of its abdomen, and two plates on its chest are cream-colored. It has a thick, powerful tail.
Nidoqueen gave a fierce yell as it was brought out of its pokeball.
"So that's a Nidoqueen." Brock said.
Ritchie scanned it:
[Nidoqueen, the Drill Pokémon. Nidoqueen has thick skin covering its entire body, protecting it from whatever techniques are used against it.]
Ritchie put his pokedex away, "This guys not fooling around this time."
"He said he wouldn't." Misty said.
"Do you think big brother will keep Ivysaur out?" Tomo asked.
"He'll switch won't he?" Molly asked, curiously.
"I think so." Brock said.
Ash did indeed bring out Ivysaur's pokeball, "Ivysaur return." That Nidoqueen looked really strong, so it's best he uses a heavy hitter like Charizard.
"Charizard, come on out!" Out came the Fire/Flying type pokemon that looked ready to have a go at Nidoqueen.
Both Pokemon stared each other down and sizing each other up, waiting for the other to make the first move. In the stands, Ash's friends were watching with bated breaths, the suspense killing them as they wanted to see who would make the first move.
Nidoqueen or Charizard?
Finally, someone made the first move.
"Nidoqueen, use Earth Power!"
Nidoqueen's outline flashes yellow and it slams its fist into the ground. Glowing gold cracks then travel at Charizard.
"Take to the air, quick!" Ash urged.
Charizard flew high in the air, avoiding taking the full brunt of the attack as the cracks in the earth were still present.
Ritchie swallowed nervously, "He's really not holding back..."
"Out of all of the gym leaders here in Kanto this guys definitely the strongest." Brock said, even though he was taken back by the attack.
"Oh, now I'm starting to get nervous again!" Misty said, holding Togepi a little more close to her.
Ash stared at the damage the attack did and thought he made the right move when he told Charizard to take to the air. He brought his attention back towards the gym leader.
'He was just playing with me at first but now he's serious, in that case I'll get serious, too!' He thought.
Charizard, as if sensing Ash's emotions descended back on the ground and stared hard daggers at Nidoqueen.
"Very impressive, I look forward to seeing what else you have to offer me." The man said.
"I intend to." Ash promised.
No more words were said as the battle started once again.
"Use Scratch!"
Nidoqueen's claws glowed white as it came at Charizard quickly.
"Counter with Dragon Claw!"
Charizard's hands become surrounded in a light green, claw shaped energy, countering the Scratch attack with Dragon Claw, causing a shockwave as a cloud of smoke surround both pokemon. The smoke cleared and the others saw as both pokemon were fighting for dominance.
"This feels just like that time with Blaine." Misty commented.
"It does, doesn't it?" Brock said.
"But this guys stronger than Blaine though," Ritchie said, "And he only let Ash win the first battle, but this time might be different."
"It doesn't look like he's messing around anymore." Zack commented.
Both Pokemon jumped back from each other while still staring into each other's eyes.
"Double Kick."
Nidoqueen jumps into the air and comes down, feet first, about to kick Charizard.
"Block that attack, Charizard!"
Charizard brought both arms together as Nidoqueen kicked it continuously, making the others worry but Ash still remained calm as he thought of what to do next.
'If I...yeah, that might work!' He thought, "Charizard, use Smokescreen!"
Charizard opened his mouth and a cloud of smoke made Nidoqueen halt in her assault and look around confused as to where Charizard was.
"Use Shadow Claw!"
Charizard's claw glowed dark purple as he came at Nidoqueen quickly, making her eye go wide as the attack made contact. But Ash wasn't done just yet.
"Now, use Dragon Rage!"
Charizard's eyes glow white, then the flame on its tail grows to a huge size. It then forms a ball of fire in its mouth and releases a fiery inferno at Nidoqueen, who only had time to widen its eyes before taking the full hit of Dragon Rage. Smoke clouded the arena and once it cleared, everyone saw Nidoqueen was unconscious.
Misty breathed a sigh of relief, "Just one more round to go."
"That Nidoqueen was strong," Ritchie said, "Makes me nervous to see what other kind of Pokemon the guy has."
"Nidoqueen was impressive, which makes me glad Ash decided to switch Ivysaur out with Charizard. He's Ash's strongest fire type and second strongest Pokemon." Brock said.
"Whose the first?" Misty asked.
"Pikachu!" Molly and Tomo exclaimed with a smile.
Brock looked at Misty, "There you go."
Right, she should have known that actually.
Ash was proud of Charizard for that amazing Dragon Rage attack. He saw what other moves Charizard would be able to learn and noticed Outrage was on that list too, but he'll have to train with Charizard some more before attempting to practice such a dangerous move.
He was cut off from his thoughts when he heard the gym leader laugh. Whether it was a laugh of excitement or insanity he didn't know, and didn't want to know.
"Astounding! Truly astounding! You are the same as him!" He laughed.
Him?
Who was he talking about?
"As a reward for entertaining me so, I decided to use my strongest Pokemon!" He sent out his last pokemon, "Rhyperior, come!"
Out came a large, brownish-gray Pokémon with two horns: one on its nose, and another one above it. It has a club-like tail and its hide is partially covered by orange, rocky plates. It has blade-like protrusions on its elbows and has holes in the palms of its hands which works as a cannon or a gun. It also appears to have two thick, rectangular rocks above its eyes, resembling heavy eyebrows. Rhyperior lives far up in the mountains.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?!" Ritchie yelled.
"I think its...a Rhyperior!" Brock said.
Ritchie scanned it:
[Rhyperior, the Drill Pokémon and the evolved form of Rhydon. Rhyperior can concentrate strength in its body and expand, causing the stone in its hand to launch.]
"That Pokémon looks like its no pushover." Ritchie stared.
"No kidding." Misty agreed.
The gym leader made the first move, "Use Stone Edge."
Rhyperior sent stones from the ground towards Charizard.
"Counter with Fire Blast!"
Charizard takes in a deep breath and releases a ball of yellow-orange fire from its mouth. The ball of fire then turns into a 大-shaped flame that was sent towards the stones, preventing them from coming at the Fire/Flying type Pokémon.
"Use Hammer Arm."
Rhyperior's hand glows red as it charged towards Charizard.
"Counter with Dragon Claw!"
Like before, Charizard's hands become surrounded in a light green, claw shaped energy, that slammed into Rhyperior's Hammer Arm. A struggle between the two powerhouses began, but Rhyperior's Hammer Arm was able to push Charizard backwards a little.
"You okay?" Ash asked in concern.
Charizard gave him a smirk, "Roar (I can still keep going)!"
He smiled, "Okay." If Charizard says he can keep going then he won't complain.
"Impressive Pokémon you have there, but can it withstand this?" The man said, "Use Rock Wrecker."
Rhyperior puts its hands together, and small chunks of gray stones come out of the holes on Rhyperior's hands and form together into a large gray rock that is outlined in red. The red outline then fades and Rhyperior throws the rock at Charizard.
'That's a dangerous move, and Charizard won't have time to go in the air to dodge it, so I'll have to have him see if he can block it!' Ash thought. Just as he was about to give Charizard a command, he noticed something and he wasn't the only one.
"Guys, look at Charizard!" Molly pointed.
They were all leaning forward to see what was going on. Charizard's body was glowing red, as were his eyes.
"Charizard's glowing red, but why?" Misty questioned.
Ash recognized the move Charizard was about to use and felt fear grip his heart, "It can't be..."
Charizard's body becomes outlined in a red aura and he roared in rage as he charged at the Rock Wrecker attack, destroying it like it was nothing before appearing before Rhyperior and attacking it mercilessly in a fit of rage.
"Wha...what is Charizard doing?!" Ritchie questioned.
"Pikachu (What happened)?" Sparky wondered.
"That move," Brock's voice sounded grim, "Its Outrage."
"Outrage?" Misty questioned.
"Its one of those moves you only use if you know how to control it properly due to constant training. Trust me, its not a move you want to use all the time, considering the damage." Brock explains.
"What do you mean?" Tomo asked.
"See, Outrage is one of those moves that's a double-edge sword," Brock explained, "While true its powerful and does some damage to the opponent, its also effects the user. After Outrage is finished, the user becomes confused."
"Is Charizard going to be okay?" Molly asked.
Brock's grim look didn't change, "We'll just have to wait and see."
Charizard continued to pulverize Rhyperior until he finally stopped his assault and jumped back. Rhyperior swayed for a couple of seconds before finally falling face first on the ground.
"He...did it," Misty forced out, "He won."
"Mm." Brock hummed, eyes still on Charizard.
Ash couldn't believe Charizard knew Outrage! Prof. Oak had told him stories of the well known cautious move, but he'd only seen it when Prof. Oaks Dragonite used it, but he had full control even though the attack leaves the pokemon confused afterwards he still looked okay. Just tired. Which was no surprise because the dragon type was old. And now, here he was again witnessing another pokemon using the move, but it was one of his own this time.
Taking a deep breath he called out to his Pokémon, "Charizard!" He showed no fear. There was no need to.
Charizard heard his voice and the move Outrage stopped, making the flying/fire type get down on one knee.
"Charizard!" Ash ran over to his friend and hugged his middle, "You okay?"
Charizard slowly regained his senses and realized who it was that was addressing him. He gave a grunt of acknowledgement and leaned his head towards Ash, making the boy sigh in relief.
"That was scary," Ash said, "Let's not try that again unless we absolutely have to."
There was another grunt from Charizard and this one was of agreement. No way in hell was he doing that move ever again unless either Ash or himself was in danger.
"You did great, get some rest." Ash returned his friend with a sigh. While Charizard didn't try to attack him in his confused state after Outrage lost his effects it was still gamble and he would rather not take another one if he could help it.
Footsteps alerted him that the gym leader was approaching with that all knowing smirk on his face. It was starting to get on his nerves.
"You didn't disappoint, good." The man said.
Ash was sneering at him inwardly at his tone but otherwise said nothing, even as he held out the Earth Badge to him. It was green and shaped like a plant. He took the badge from the man, but he still felt like deep down he was playing right into the man's hands.
"Thank you." He muttered, walking over to the others.
"Ash, you okay?" Misty asked, seeing his expression.
Was he okay?
That was a good question and he wondered about that himself.
With a sigh he shook his head, giving them a smile that didn't look reassuring, "I'm okay, anyway its your turn now Ritchie. Be on your guard with this guy."
"I will." Ritchie promised.
When they looked back they noticed the man was gone.
"What the? Where'd he go?" Ritchie looked around as did the others. All of a sudden smoke covered the gym and the gang heard familiar laughter.
"You have got to be kidding me." Ash felt like he was about to have a brain aneurysm with how many times they've run into Team Rocket. If there was a world record that lists how many times a trainer's run into Team Rocket then they would have been broken that world record.
"What are you jerks doing here?!" Misty yelled.
Jessie laughed, "Silly girl, don't you know? This whole gym is nothing more than one of Team Rockets secret bases!"
"That's right, and the boss has allowed us to run it from now on!" James said proudly.
"Meowth, that's right!" Meowth grinned.
This news took all of them by surprise.
"What?! Then that means that guy just now-!" Ritchie said.
"Is the leader of Team Rocket!" Ash growled. He should have known actually but he was focused on the battle that he didn't even noticed the man's obvious behavior. What he did notice however was the man's unhealthy obsession with him and his battling, it was almost as though he wasn't really looking at him, but someone else.
"Now then twerps, if you wanna earn that Earth Badge you'll have to play by our rules now!" Meowth pushed a button and two platforms sprung from the ground, "We'll battle on these two platforms here!"
Ash had a bad feeling about this and wanted to tell Ritchie not to go through with it and just take the badge by force, but seeing the look on his cousins face told him that he was going to do this no matter what. Placing a hand on his cousins shoulder his expression showed his clear and worried emotion.
"These guys don't fight fair," Ash warned him, "Be ready for anything."
"Right." Ritchie nodded.
As Ritchie went over to one of the platforms Ash ans the others were sitting in the stands thinking about how all this time the gym leader of Viridian City was the leader of Team Rocket this whole time. Misty and Brock felt foolish for not noticing it sooner, the first clue was when they used to have their weekly Gym Leader Meeting and the only who didn't show up was the gym leader of Viridian City, stating he was busy with a secret project.
Now they we're dreading to know what that "secret project" is.
"I can't believe it," Misty said, feeling foolish, "All this time, he was the leader of Team Rocket."
"He had us, the gym leaders all fooled." Brock frowned, but deep down he angry that such a man could lead a criminal organization that steals Pokémon and be a gym leader as a cover so no one would suspect him. What made it worse is the fact that it worked. No one suspected a thing, not even them the gym leaders.
It was a hard pill to swallow
"What's done is done," Ash's voice brought the two of them out of their thoughts, "He had everyone fooled sure, but now we know and if he makes another move we can deal with him."
Misty and Brock nodded in agreement, "We should also tell the other gym leaders and officer Jenny what we found out." Brock suggested.
"I think so, too," Ash agreed, "As soon as we leave here we're going to see Officer Jenny so she can alert the gym leaders in Kanto about what we found out."
Misty and Brock nodded.
Jessie brought out a Pokeball, "Let's go, twerp!" He threw it and out came a Rhyhorn.
"Zippo, lets go!" Ritchie sent out his faithful fire type pokemon.
"ROAR!" Zippo gave out a loud roar, signaling he was ready for battle.
Ash frowned, "I don't trust those three. They're up to something."
"I agree, something's not right." Brock agreed.
Jessie went first, "Use Horn Attack!"
Rhyhorn came at Zippo, ready to hit the fire/flying type with its horn.
"Dodge it, Zippo!"
Zippo avoided the horn attack just in time.
"Use Flame Burst!"
Zippo fires an orange-yellow fireball from its mouth at Rhyhorn, making it a direct hit. While that was good and all, the bad feeling Ash and others felt was justified as the platform Jessie was standing on started electrocuting him.
Misty gasped.
Ash narrowed his eyes, "I get it now. If the Pokémon receives damage from an attack, no matter how small or big the trainer will also feel it."
"That's low." Brock frowned.
Ash looked over at Pikachu who nodded and scurried off somewhere along with Sparky. Ritchie will want to battle to the end so there was no point in telling him otherwise, so he'll let the battle continue, but he will give Team Rocket a painful blast off for this.
Ritchie saw this and was worried, but it was worry for Zippo. Clenching his fists he decided to continue the battle, even if this whole thing is just a farce.
Jessie growled and looked over at Meowth who gave her a nervous chuckle before looking back at Ritchie, "Grrr, that hurt you little twerp! Go Rhyhorn, tackle that annoying fire type Pokémon!"
Rhyhorn charges at Charizard again, but Ritchie had something else in mind.
"Quick, use Heat Wave!"
A red-orange ball appears in Zippo's mouth, and it releases a wind of flames at Rhyhorn, sending it backwards as it took some damage. Once again Jessie was electrocuted as she took damage, too.
Jessie was completely brown as smoke came out of her mouth and ears. She growled again and turned to Meowth and James, "What are you two morons-!" She was cut off when she saw both Meowth and James were incapacitated by both Pikachu and Sparky.
Both electric types gave her a shit-eating grin, holding up peace signs. She paled as she noticed the remote Meowth was holding. Originally the plan was to use the remote to make the twerps platform electrocute him every time either one of their Pokémon took damage, but for some reason it was only shocking Jessie. She knew they shouldn't have bought these on a whim!
Ritchie smirked, "Shows over! Now, Zippo let's show themon move we've been working on! Seismic Toss!"
Zippo grabs Rhyhorn, flies into the sky, spins around, zooms back down, and tosses it into the ground. As the smoke from the move cleared everyone saw Rhyhorn was unconscious.
Ash smirked and stood up, "And with that done." He saw Jessie tense up but didn't care about that one bit, "Pikachu-!"
"Sparky-!"
"Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu and Sparky sent a Thunderbolt attack at all three members of Team Rocket, sending them flying out of the gym via the roof. Ritchie saw something fall from the sky and caught it, getting a good look at it he saw it was the Earth Badge!
"Got the last badge!" Ritchie said, holding up the Earth Badge.
The others approached as Ritchie returned Zippo.
"I'm glad that's over." Misty said.
"Me, too." Brock agreed.
"Now big brother and Ritchie both have their last badge!" Tomo said.
"They beat all the gym leaders and can now enter the league!" Molly grinned.
Ash just thought of something, "Speaking of which, I have no idea where its being held. Maybe Prof. Oak knows."
"He might." Misty said.
"Since we're close we can head to Pallet Town and just ask him." Ash said.
Ritchie grinned, "Cool, I get to see aunt Delia again in person!"
"Then we'll all go, but only after we go see Officer Jenny first." Misty reminded them.
Brock got a goofy look on his face, "Officer Jenny~"
"Why am I not surprised?" Misty sighed.
"Togi Togi (Surprised)!" Togepi smiled
As they left the gym behind Brock and Ash hung in the back to have a private chat, "So what do you think that mysterious Pokémon Gary saw was?"
Ash got quiet as he knew who the mysterious Pokémon was but didn't say anything.
"Good question." Was all Ash said as they left the Viridian City Gym behind them.
With the events of the Viridian Gym behind them, and learning of some shocking news our heroes set off to Pallet Town, home of where Ash and Molly reside. The only question that remains in the back of their minds is...what happened with that mysterious Pokémon?
Pokemon Captured
On Hand:
Ash's Pokemon: Pikachu (Male), Shiny Eevee (Female), Ivysaur (Male), Kirlia (Female), Charizard (Male), Wartortle (Male), and Pidgeotto (Female).
Molly's Pokemon: Teddiursa (Male), Lilligant (Female), Shiny Espeon (Female), Ninetails (Female) Alakazam (Male), Clefable (Female), and Omanyte (Gender Unknown).
Misty's Pokemon: Togepi (Male), Starmie, Staryu, Psyduck (Male), Goldeen (Female), Vaporeon (Male), Froakie (Male), and Jynx (Female), Shiny Vaporeon (Female), and Shiny Glaceon (Female).
Brock's Pokemon: Geodude (Male), Onix (Male), Chespin (Male), Shiny Flareon (Female), and Shiny Leafeon (Female).
Ritchie's Pokemon: Pikachu (Sparky) (Male), Charizard (Zippo) (Male), Butterfree (Happy) (Male), Shiny Umbreon (Midnight) (Male), Shiny Jolteon (Speedy) (Male), Gengar (Shadow), and Eevee (Eve) (Female).
Tomo's Pokemon: Kangaskhan (Female), Growlithe (Male), Poliwhirl (Male), Geodude (Male), Weepinbell (Male).
Zack's Pokemon: Jynx (Female), Electivire (Male), Magmortar (Male), Swampert (Male) Gardevoir (Shiny) (Female), Gengar (Male).
At the Ranch
Ash's Pokemon: Shiny Meowstic (Female), Shiny Cloyster (Male), Starmie, Braixen (Female), Luxray (Male), Scizor (Male), Slowpoke (Male), Rapidash (Female), Nidoqueen (Female), Nidoking (Male), Xatu (Male), Scizor (Male), Gyarados (Female), Krabby (Male), Glaceon (Female), Leafeon (Female), Umbreon (Male), Espeon (Female), Flareon (Male), Jolteon (Male) Vaporeon (Male), Primeape (Male), Ralts (Male), Charmander (Male), Squirtle (Male), Electabuzz (Male), Magmar (Male), Rhyhorn (Male), Taurosx25 (Male), Kadabra (Male), Butterfree (Male) Pink Butterfree (Female), Sandshrew (Male) Porygon (Genderless), Lapras (Female), Haunter (Male), Dratini (Male), Riolu (Male), Jigglypuff (Female), Aerodactyl (Male).
Tomo's Pokemon: Voltorb (Male), Cubone (Male), Hitmonlee (Male), Hitmonchan (Male).
Molly's Pokemon: Exeggcute (Male), Raichu (Male), Tangrowth (Male), Machoke (Male), Beedrill (Male).
Ritchie's Pokemon: Venomoth (Male), Fearow (Male), Farfetch'd (Male), Dodrio (Male) Hoothoot (Male), Scyther (Male).
Next Time: Mewtwo's Wrath & Hello Mr. Mime!